Dave Stephens

As the regional administrative director of cardiac services, Dave Stephens works daily with cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, nurses and technicians at Summa Barberton Hospital and Summa Health Center at Wadsworth-Rittman. Although he was exhausted by 7 or 8 p.m. every evening, Stephens attributed it to long hours at work rather than a symptom of a heart problem.

Finally, he agreed to a nuclear stress test. Based on the results, he was sent immediately to the cath lab where doctors discovered a completely blocked coronary artery. They inserted cardiac stents, small mesh-like devices that act as supports keeping the artery open. Blood could then freely flow through Stephens' artery to his heart muscle.

“I was scared to death,” said Stephens. “But I knew the physicians and cath lab staff were the best in the area.

The outstanding team of Summa Cardiovascular Institute heart experts at Summa Barberton Hospital is available to you, whether you need testing or open-heart surgery. With our comprehensive cardiovascular services, advanced technology and a convenient location, you can eliminate the frustrating drive to larger cities for care. It is all right here.

Today, Dave is doing well and enjoying spending time with his new granddaughter.